“You create a bunch of characters and let them start bouncing into one another. That’s how a good story happens.”
Readers need to care about your characters. Whether they’re brave heroes, loveably flawed companions or sinister supervillains, without compelling characters to tell a story, readers are either going to not care about the plot or, worse still, drop your book altogether. But creating characters that are nuanced, complex and compelling can sometimes be easier said than done. If you’re wondering if or why some of your characters are feeling flat or one-dimensional, check out What We Reading as we guide you through some of the most common reasons we notice time and time again!
Difference Between Flat And Round Characters
There are some key differences between flat and round characters that make them unique to a story. Round characters, usually the protagonist, antagonist, or any major individual experiencing the plot, are given backstories, motivations, a distinctive voice and personality, as well as traits, conflicts, or flaws that readers can relate to. In contrast, flat characters are far less nuanced. They are often driven by the plot, based on tropes and archetypes, and do not experience any development. While they can drive the plot forward through their actions, they can usually be summarized in just a couple of lines.
Finally, it’s important to note the distinctions between flat characters, static characters, and round characters. Static characters also don’t undergo much character development; however, they still have backstories and their own motivations. An example of a static character would be Professor Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series. While he doesn’t change in his role or personality over the books, he is still a unique character with his own complexities.
Check Out Our Full Post On Round vs Flat Characters
Being Reactive Rather Than Active
As mentioned above, one of the most defining traits of flat characters is that they’re driven by the plot rather than driving it themselves.
If your characters want something, they should actively strive to obtain it. Simply having an ensemble cast of characters going along with the plot isn’t sufficient; each character should possess their own agendas, secrets and motivations, leading them to take various actions.
This principle is especially crucial for the protagonist. If they are consistently led down different paths based on others’ choices or events, the narrative may quickly begin to feel like someone else’s story.
An Unclear Motivation (Or None At All)
On motivations, it’s crucial to ensure they are firmly established and consistently maintained. Every major character should harbour a desire – it’s arguably the most relatable bridge they can build to a reader.
Whether subtly implied or explicitly explained, there should be no doubt in the reader’s mind that the character is deeply invested in the unfolding story. Once the reader discerns a genuine investment, the character’s personality will naturally emerge, making them more compelling.
If you find a character feeling flat, it’s worth pondering the question: ‘Do I clearly understand what this character wants?
Not Allowing Their Full Personality To Shine Through
It’s not uncommon for writers to form a strong attachment to their characters or go to great lengths to portray them as either overly nice or excessively negative. Striking a balance is crucial.
If one of your characters seems one-dimensional, it could be a sign that you’re not letting their full personality shine through. Every person has a mix of positive and negative traits, and a well-rounded character should reflect this spectrum throughout the story. Don’t be afraid to showcase different facets of their personality to make them more authentic and relatable.
There Are No Obstacles To Overcome
This point is two-fold. Firstly, learning through overcoming challenges mirrors a relatable aspect of life. Secondly, bestowing characters with obstacles and challenges not only adds stakes to a story but also renders their development more rewarding for the reader.
For instance, in a romance novel, the two love interests shouldn’t immediately find compatibility from the start. Introducing misunderstandings, false starts, and issues heightens the stakes, showcasing their commitment to one another.
Conflict and challenges are elements that flat characters often lack. Incorporate them to unveil the true nature of your characters. By illustrating how they tackle and resolve problems, readers gain deeper insight into their personalities.
They Don’t Have A Unique Voice
Everyone’s got their own quirks and way of talking, right? Well, one big problem we see with main characters is when they all start to sound the same in a story. It’s not just confusing for readers trying to figure out who’s saying what, but it turns all the characters into this blur.
So, instead, give each of your main characters their own ‘thing.’ Whether it’s a unique way of reacting or a special way of speaking, make it so readers can tell who’s who without you having to spell it out every time.
Telling, Not Showing
The concept of ‘Show don’t tell‘ is a writing tip we often hear, and it’s particularly crucial when it comes to developing characters. Sure, everyone experiences emotions like anger, fear, joy, or elation, but it’s the unique ways we express these feelings that make us stand out. Different people get to see different sides of us.
If your round characters seem a bit flat, it might be because you’re still sticking to the surface and just telling readers how they feel.
Instead of flatly stating that a character is ‘sad’, consider describing them tensing up and going deathly silent. These actions let readers vividly imagine the emotions and make more leaps about the character’s personality based on those actions.
You Don’t Know Them Well Enough
Finally, if your round characters feel flat, it could be because you’re still getting to know them. Characters don’t just pop into existence fully formed; understanding their personalities, motivations, and what drives them can take a while.
This is especially true when delving into tropes or genres that aren’t your usual territory. Luckily, there are various strategies and techniques writers can use to become more familiar with a character’s voice and perspective. Try writing journal entries from their point of view, rewriting scenes specifically from their perspective in the first person, or taking inventory of everything they’re wearing or carrying.
Keep in mind, a round character only needs to be compelling and multi-layered in the final draft! Getting to know your characters is a journey, and the more you invest in understanding them, the richer and more authentic they will become in your writing.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
